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Questions and Answers
What political reason did Lee Kwan Yew see for the merger with Malaya?
How would the merger assist Singapore economically, according to Lee Kwan Yew?
What impact would the merger likely have on employment opportunities in Singapore?
What was a significant barrier SG faced in maintaining its trade with Malaya before the merger?
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What was one potential benefit of the merger in the context of political stability in Southeast Asia?
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Study Notes
Political Reasons for Merger
- Lee Kwan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore and leader of the People's Action Party (non-communist), advocated for the merger of Singapore with Malaya.
- A merger would expedite Singapore's independence.
- Malaya's ability to counter communist threats in Southeast Asia would bring greater political stability to the region.
- This stability would encourage the British to relinquish control over Singapore.
- The merger would neutralize radical anti-merger factions by integrating them with the moderate group, creating a unified anti-communist government in Kuala Lumpur.
Economic Reasons for Merger
- Singapore's entrepot trade was declining as its neighbors gained independence and diverted their exports through their own ports.
- Tariffs imposed by the Malayan government on Singapore products made them more expensive in Malaya, leading to a decrease in trade between the two entities.
- Singapore's lack of natural resources could be supplemented by access to resources from Malaya.
- A larger market would be formed through a merger, stimulating a common market.
- This common market with free trade would create new economic opportunities and business ventures.
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Description
Explore the strategic political and economic motivations behind the merger of Singapore with Malaya. Learn about Lee Kwan Yew's vision for independence and regional stability, alongside the economic challenges faced by Singapore's entrapot trade. This quiz delves into the complexities that influenced this significant historical event.
